How Much Does It Cost To Get Rid Of Mice?

Mice Extermination Prices

The occasional mouse in the house is a manageable problem for most homeowners, but an infestation could warrant the services of a professional exterminator. Mouse extermination costs are determined by house size and layout and the extent of the infestation. Additional charges may apply if the home requires clean-up/restoration due to damage from mice.

Mouse Control Considerations

Here’s what you should know about dealing with a mouse problem:

Risks Posed by Mice

Mice tend to seek food and shelter inside homes during the fall when colder weather begins to set in. Once they get comfortable in your house they can make things uncomfortable for human residents. Mice are known to destroy insulation, wallboard, cardboard, and wiring (which can lead to house fires). The biggest concern associated with rodents, however, is the spread of disease (including Hantavirus and salmonellosis) through their feces.

Extermination Techniques

Professional pest control companies typically use the same mouse control methods—baits and traps—that homeowners can purchase online or at a local store. Whether snap traps, glue traps, electrocution traps, or live traps are used the most important factor is correct trap baiting and placement. This is where pros, who are very familiar with mouse behavior, have an edge over homeowners. The same goes for poison baits (rodenticides), which can be dangerous to people and pets when improperly placed. Ultrasonic repellents and mouse sprays may also be used, although their effectiveness is debatable.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses a variety of common-sense approaches to deal with pests. In the case of mice, IPM practices include sealing up access holes, preventing access to food sources (both human and pet), limiting shelter, maintaining a sanitary home, and keeping a cat. Learn more about managing house mice at the University of California’s IPM website.

Mice Extermination Average Costs

An initial consultation by a pest control company to determine the scope of the mouse problem might cost $100 to $200. This fee might be rolled into a baiting and trapping service, which can run up to $300 or more. A more comprehensive service that includes mouse elimination and sealing up access holes could cost $400 to $800 or even upwards of $1,000 for a severe infestation and/or a large home.

Several visits by the exterminator may be necessary to completely take care of a mouse problem. Some companies perform an initial service followed by monthly or quarterly trips that total $300 to $600 or more over the course of a year. Be aware that contracts are often self-renewing, meaning you must cancel them to avoid continued billing.

These prices do not include repairs/cleanup (if required). Find out at the time of an inspection whether a pest control company provides these services and how much they cost. You might consider hiring a separate contractor for restoration.

DIY mousetraps cost as little as $1 or less apiece for wooden snap traps or as much as $20 to $100 apiece for electronic mouse traps. Mouse bait stations cost approximately $2 to $8 apiece. A 4 lb. pail of rodenticide costs $20 to $30.